Dually snow chains.....singles or double sets?

[Radshooter]

I am thinking it is about time for some snow chains for the Mighty Dodge. What are you guys running... single tire chains or the double sets? If you run the singles, do they rub between the tires?



It is one of those things that I don't plan on using, but would like to have along with me to get out of a jam if needed. We don't do much back-road travelling in the Dodge, so chains would mostly be used on the highway to get us to the nearest motel if we get caught in a storm to hold up. We would most likely be pulling a fiver also in this situation if that makes a difference between choosing singles or doubles.



Thanks..... Steve

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have dual chains which I have mounted for fit but never used on the Ram. Mine are sized so that the middle does not wedge in between the tires. I have a set of plastic blocks with slots to aid in mounting them. Lay out the chains and back onto the blocks so the chains are free under the tires. If you are not familiar, the dually chains use a hook only in the center. You hook them first then latch up the outsides. My flatbed gives me good wheel access.



I came home at two in the morning to a snow/ice storm with a borrowed motor home two years ago. With nowhere to park along the road, I had to chain up to get up my driveway. The motorhome body stuck out way beyond the wheels leaving minimal access which made for a really nasty job.



I had an old beastly dump truck with a plow. One of the wheel spacers was too narrow which made that side a bear to chain up because the chains would fit between the duals. Being off road, rubbing was not an issue.



If I have to chain, I want the maximum benefit. Depending too on the road surface and load, I would want equal loading on the tires. I don't know, is it a legal issue in the mountain states that require chaining?

 

[SBall]

Radshooter,

Since trading in my faithful 1992 4x4 Dodge CTD for my 2001 rear wheel drive 3500 CTD, winter traction has been a challenge. My tires are the 235/85-16 tires and there is just enough clearance to chain up the outside tires with singles, provided I don't use the real heavy duty chains. Those might interfere too much with the sidewalls. I've found the smaller gauge square link alloy ladder-style chains when used on the outside wheels only, don't interfere too much with the sidewalls. The diagonal cable chains with the hoop on the inside interfere even less, but don't provide the same traction. This year I might consider the diamond pattern alloy chains on the outside wheels. To chain up I drive the inside wheels up on blocks, making the process of chaining up the outsides very easy. I suppose chaining up with dual chains would really provide grip, but I'm not sure if the extra bulk and hassle is worth it. I'd be interested to hear from others out there.

Steve

 

[Radshooter]

Thanks guys. I think I will look at a set of singles for the dually, and try to rework the old ones from my 2500 V-10 to fit the trailer for drags. I don't ever plan on towing in bad weather if I can help it. A few years ago we holed up in Rock Springs for 3 days waiting for the roads to clear. I mostly want them for emergencies, getting off the road if we do get caught, and to keep the police happy.



Thanks again... ... Steve

 

[jelag]

I have several trucks and use chains when were forced to... . we only use single chains on the outside... not enough space for dually chains when it comes to mounting... you've got to watch it with a dually truck... my 01 and 04 both have damage to the plastic fenders when the chains break... . knocks out a large chunk of the fender on the bottom... and it takes just a fraction of a second...



the 05's have a new inner fender... out of steel and look better... . but with the cost of a fender... I'm now more willing to stop and wait it out. . besides... . a trailer that weighs 12 or 15K has to be chained up. . with drag chains... and I hate the work... for me... I'd just sit and wait a half or full day... .



Jim